Wonder Has Served as CSU Football Tee Retriever
The golden retriever acts as a mascot for animal health during Colorado State home games.
Updated on Sept. 19, 2026 in Football
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Wonder, a dog owned by Chris Holmquist-Johnson, performs kicking tee retrieval duties at Colorado State University home football games. The canine serves as a visible ambassador for the university's veterinary health system.
Why it matters
By retrieving tees after kickoffs, Wonder provides a tangible connection between the school's veterinary hospital and its main campus. The dog acts as a symbol of healthy, active animal care during game day proceedings.
Colorado State currently holds 2 consecutive wins entering their matchup against BYU. Wonder is tasked with retrieving the kicking tee following the first kickoff of every half.
The players
Wonder
Wonder is a trained dog that serves as an ambassador for the Colorado State University veterinary health system.
Chris Holmquist-Johnson
Chris Holmquist-Johnson is the owner and handler of Wonder who assists the dog during football game appearances.
The details
Wonder and handler Chris Holmquist-Johnson wait for the play to be called dead before running onto the field to collect the tee. The routine serves as a promotional symbol for the university's commitment to veterinary health.
Timeline
Saturday, September 19, 2026: Colorado State hosts BYU in Fort Collins.
Season Trajectory
Wonder's role as a mascot reinforces the university's brand presence during a critical stretch of the season. The visibility of the dog mirrors the positive momentum currently surrounding the football program following their recent winning streak.
Wonder will be present on the field for the upcoming home game against BYU. Fans should expect to see the retriever after the first kickoff of both the first and second halves.
The takeaway
Wonder demonstrates how universities can integrate mascot programs to highlight specialized campus departments. The routine serves as both entertainment for the crowd and a method to increase awareness for veterinary health services.
Further reading
For more on the current season, visit the Football section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by CBS News.
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